The Baltimore Ravens have ended John Harbaugh’s 18-year spell as head coach following the team’s failure to reach the NFL play-offs.
The 63-year-old departs as the second longest-serving head coach in the league, having guided Baltimore to victory in the 2013 Super Bowl.
Decision after play-off miss
Harbaugh becomes the fourth head coach to be dismissed since the end of the NFL regular season, with three exits coming on ‘Black Monday’, according to the NFL.
Baltimore’s fate was sealed by a 26-24 defeat to divisional rivals Pittsburgh in an AFC North title decider on Sunday, when Tyler Loop missed a last-gasp field goal, allowing the Steelers to claim the final play-off spot.
Strong record but recent struggles
The Ravens reached the play-offs in six of the previous seven seasons, and in 12 of Harbaugh’s 18 years in charge, according to NFL records.
However, despite having two-time Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson at quarterback since 2018, Baltimore have reached the AFC Championship game only once since their second Super Bowl win 13 years ago.
Harbaugh reacts
“Well, I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today,” Harbaugh said in a statement released by the Baltimore Ravens.
“It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with gratitude and appreciation.”
Season ends with losing record
After an inconsistent campaign, Baltimore finished the season with a losing record of 8-9, missing out on the play-offs, according to the NFL.
The Ravens lost five of their opening six games, recovered with five straight wins, but were unable to sustain momentum, losing four of their final six matches.
Legacy in Baltimore
Harbaugh is the longest-serving head coach in Ravens history since the franchise was founded in 1996.
He led the team to play-off wins in each of his first five seasons before lifting the Super Bowl in 2013, defeating the San Francisco 49ers, then coached by his younger brother Jim, now with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Owner’s statement
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, given the tremendous 18 years we have spent together and the profound respect I have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement issued by the Baltimore Ravens.
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